Gutter bugg

ABSTRACT

The objective of this invention is to filter storm water that drains into catch basins and drain inlets by trapping sediment and preventing sizeable objects from flowing into storm drain systems. The device can be made of durable material and with a removable inner filter it can cleaned and reused. This device can also be made in a verity of diameter sizes and geometric shapes to accommodate various types of applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is in the technical field of construction.

More particularly, the present invention is in the technical field of erosion and sediment control as it relates to construction.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a filtering device for storm water run off. Upon being placed in front of a storm drain (catch basin) sediment and debris are trapped in the filter fabric as the storm water passes through the entrance and exit holes of the device. Once the sediment and debris reach a reasonable level the filter fabric can be removed and cleaned or replaced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a top view of the housing component of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the housing component of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the housing component of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the housing component of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the housing and filter fabric of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the housing and filter fabric of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the curved version of the present invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The outer housing consist of a HDPE (high-density polyethylene), LDPE (low-density polyethylene) or PVC (polyvinylchloride) cylinder. The cylinder (sleeve) may be formed to make various geometric shapes i.e., square, rectangular, triangle or circle. The cylinder may also be curved. The cylinder will have drilled holes or slots (of various diameters) front and back to accommodate water flow in and out of the cylinder. This outer housing also serves as a protective sleeve for the internal filtering components.

The internal components consist of a removable frame. The frame may be made of LDPE (low-density polyethylene), HDPE (high-density polyethylene), steel, aluminum or wood. This frame will conform to the same shape(s) as the housing unit; square, curved, etc.

The filtering component consists of a variety of filtering fabric materials that will be attached to the internal frame. This filter fabric may be cloth, woven cloth, fiberglass or plastic. This filter fabric will be attached to the above mentioned frame.

The invention works by allowing storm water to flow through openings (round or oblong) in a geometrically shaped cylinder that is placed in front of a storm water catch basin. A portion of the sediment that is traveling in the storm water will be trapped in the internal filter component. The filter component will also trap and stop sizeable debris particles from entering the storm drain structure. The opposite side of the cylinder also has openings (round or oblong) to allow the storm water to exit into the storm drain structure (catch basin). The cylinder's diameter and or geometric shape will allow the storm water to over flow into the storm drain structure (catch basin); therefore preventing the storm drain structure from being clogged during rain fall.

Referring now to the invention in more detail, in FIG. 5 to FIG. 6 there is shown the filtering device with the housing unit 10. The housing unit 10, is shown in this view with an elongated slot which is cut on opposite sides of the housing unit 10. Also shown in this view is the filter fabric 12, which can be rolled into a cylinder and attached to itself with Velcro or attached to a frame 14.

In more detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 7 the filtering device is shown with the housing unit 10, in a curved shape with a cut-a-way section showing the filter fabric 12, which conforms to the shape of the curved housing unit 10.

The construction details of the invention as shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 would have a diameter of 4 to 6″ this would be the housing unit 10. The thickness of the housing unit 10, will depend upon the type of material used i.e. PVC schedule 23.5, 26 or 40; HDPE or LDPE. The length of the housing unit 10, would range from 6′ to 16′ or any desired size smaller or greater. The filter fabric 12, would be cut and rolled to fit the inside diameter of the housing unit 10, which would make the filter fabric 12; when laid flat measure 11½″ to 13½″ (when used without the frame 14). The length of the filter fabric 14, will match the length of the housing unit 10. When the frame 14, is used with the filter fabric 12, (when flat) it shall be cut to fit the inside diameter of housing unit “snuggly” and match the length of the housing 10, the attached filter fabric 12, shall be the same height and length of the frame 14, and housing unit 10. When the frame 14, is made round and cylinder shaped, it along with the filter fabric 12, shall be made to fit the inside diameter of the housing unit 10, “snuggly” and match the length of the housing unit 10.

The advantages of the present invention, without limitation, are (1), when using a 4″ diameter device (straight or curved) an overflow space is created and in case there is severe rain fall and or the device becomes clogged the excessive water will be able to over flow into the storm structure avoiding significant street flooding. Secondly, the housing unit serves as a protective shell for the filter fabric as well a portal for the storm water to flow through. Thirdly, the curved design is especially helpful when placed in front of storm catch basins with narrow openings (4″ inches or less) because of the over flow space that is created. Next, one person can reasonably manage the weight of the device. Also, the portal design of the device will not allow it to float away. Finally, the removable filter fabric is a true benefit because it can be removed, cleaned or replaced on site.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed. 

1. A storm water filtering device suitable for a number of sediment trapping applications, wherein the said device can be fabricated to a specified diameter and length, wherein the housing cylinder is considered the female member receiving the filter material (male member), wherein the said housing is comprised of a designed number of drilled holes and or elongated slots and slotted holes on either end for carrying, wherein the male filter member slides in and out of the housing member.
 2. The storm water device of claim 1, wherein the female housing serves as protection for the male filtering device while allowing storm water to pass through.
 3. The storm water device of claim 1, wherein the male filter member can be round shaped to fit the inside diameter of the female housing or attached to a frame unit (rectangular, circular, or other shape) and placed in the inside center or other portion of the female housing member.
 4. The storm water device of claim 1, wherein the female housing and male filter member will be designed and manufactured to accommodate varying lengths, widths, shapes, diameters, and contours. 